The 100 NRIs – 2026: Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Group CEO, Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)
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This article forms part of The 100 NRIs, a special edition by Entrepreneur Middle East spotlighting the most influential non-resident Indians shaping business, innovation, and investment across the region.
Dr. Adnan Chilwan is a globally recognized leader in Islamic Banking and Finance, distinguished for his visionary leadership and pioneering contributions that have significantly advanced the industry. With nearly three decades of extensive experience spanning both conventional and Islamic banking sectors, he has played a pivotal role in elevating Islamic finance to a position of international prominence and credibility.
As Group Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the world’s first Sharia-compliant bank and the largest financial institution in the UAE, he oversees assets exceeding US$106 billion and a market capitalization of over US$18 billion. He directs a workforce of more than 10,000 employees and has been instrumental in expanding DIB’s global footprint. Under his leadership, the bank has emerged as a pioneering force within Islamic finance.
A committed advocate for the integration of Islamic banking within the global financial system, he has championed innovation initiatives that bridge traditional financial practices with Sharia-compliant principles. His thought leadership and strategic advocacy have established him as a trusted authority in the industry, inspiring organizational transformation and accelerating the adoption of Islamic finance across diverse markets worldwide.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Chilwan has received numerous accolades, including being honored as one of the 33 Indian Visionaries by Entrepreneur Middle East in 2025; recognized by Forbes Middle East as one of the ‘Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East’ in 2023 and 2024; and being listed among the region’s 100 most influential sustainability leaders in 2023. Additional honors include the Banker of the Year award at the MEA Finance Awards in 2022 and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the same awards in 2021.
Beyond his role at DIB, Dr. Chilwan holds key positions on the boards of several strategic investments and subsidiaries, including Noor Bank, Deyaar PJSC, Liquidity Management Centre, and the International Islamic Financial Market. In these capacities, he leads initiatives that shape growth trajectories and foster innovation within Islamic finance. Additionally, as Chairman of Kenya’s Board of Directors, he is actively involved in unlocking the sector’s potential in emerging markets, setting benchmarks for sustainable development and financial inclusion.
Recognized as a thought leader and strategic advisor, he also collaborates with governments, partners with academic institutions, and engages with global industry leaders to influence the evolution of Islamic finance. His strategic vision continues to guide the industry towards greater integration within the global financial system, reinforcing its vital role as a pillar of economic development.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr. Chilwan maintains a vibrant personal life. An avid sports enthusiast, with a particular passion for cricket, he exemplifies a well-rounded approach to leadership and life. His academic credentials, including a PhD, an MBA in Marketing, and certification as a Certified Islamic Banker (CelB), reflect his unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and continuous professional development within the banking and finance sector.
Related: Entrepreneur Middle East Reveals “The 100 NRIs” List
This article forms part of The 100 NRIs, a special edition by Entrepreneur Middle East spotlighting the most influential non-resident Indians shaping business, innovation, and investment across the region.
Dr. Adnan Chilwan is a globally recognized leader in Islamic Banking and Finance, distinguished for his visionary leadership and pioneering contributions that have significantly advanced the industry. With nearly three decades of extensive experience spanning both conventional and Islamic banking sectors, he has played a pivotal role in elevating Islamic finance to a position of international prominence and credibility.
As Group Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the world’s first Sharia-compliant bank and the largest financial institution in the UAE, he oversees assets exceeding US$106 billion and a market capitalization of over US$18 billion. He directs a workforce of more than 10,000 employees and has been instrumental in expanding DIB’s global footprint. Under his leadership, the bank has emerged as a pioneering force within Islamic finance.
A committed advocate for the integration of Islamic banking within the global financial system, he has championed innovation initiatives that bridge traditional financial practices with Sharia-compliant principles. His thought leadership and strategic advocacy have established him as a trusted authority in the industry, inspiring organizational transformation and accelerating the adoption of Islamic finance across diverse markets worldwide.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Chilwan has received numerous accolades, including being honored as one of the 33 Indian Visionaries by Entrepreneur Middle East in 2025; recognized by Forbes Middle East as one of the ‘Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East’ in 2023 and 2024; and being listed among the region’s 100 most influential sustainability leaders in 2023. Additional honors include the Banker of the Year award at the MEA Finance Awards in 2022 and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the same awards in 2021.
Beyond his role at DIB, Dr. Chilwan holds key positions on the boards of several strategic investments and subsidiaries, including Noor Bank, Deyaar PJSC, Liquidity Management Centre, and the International Islamic Financial Market. In these capacities, he leads initiatives that shape growth trajectories and foster innovation within Islamic finance. Additionally, as Chairman of Kenya’s Board of Directors, he is actively involved in unlocking the sector’s potential in emerging markets, setting benchmarks for sustainable development and financial inclusion.
Recognized as a thought leader and strategic advisor, he also collaborates with governments, partners with academic institutions, and engages with global industry leaders to influence the evolution of Islamic finance. His strategic vision continues to guide the industry towards greater integration within the global financial system, reinforcing its vital role as a pillar of economic development.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr. Chilwan maintains a vibrant personal life. An avid sports enthusiast, with a particular passion for cricket, he exemplifies a well-rounded approach to leadership and life. His academic credentials, including a PhD, an MBA in Marketing, and certification as a Certified Islamic Banker (CelB), reflect his unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and continuous professional development within the banking and finance sector.
Related: Entrepreneur Middle East Reveals “The 100 NRIs” List
